Makeup is a powerful tool for enhancing your natural beauty, but finding the style that suits you best can feel overwhelming with so many trends and techniques to choose from. The key to identifying your most flattering makeup style lies in understanding your unique features and personal aesthetic.

1. Determine Your Undertone

Your skin’s undertone—cool, warm, or neutral—plays a significant role in which makeup shades will complement you best. A quick way to determine yours is by looking at the veins on your wrist: if they appear blue or purple, you likely have a cool undertone; green veins suggest a warm undertone, while a mix of both means you’re neutral. Choosing foundation, blush, and lipstick shades that align with your undertone will enhance your natural complexion rather than clash with it.

2. Analyze Your Face Shape

Your face shape can guide you toward the most flattering contouring, blush placement, and eyebrow shape. For example, round faces benefit from lifted contouring techniques, while heart-shaped faces look great with softer, diffused blush application. Brows can also balance your facial features—softer, curved brows can complement angular faces, while structured brows add definition to rounder shapes.

3. Identify Your Best Features

Think about the features you love most about yourself. If you adore your eyes, experiment with eyeshadow techniques that enhance their shape and color. If your lips are your standout feature, find lip colors and finishes that make them pop. The best makeup style will always highlight what makes you feel most confident.

4. Consider Your Personal Aesthetic

Are you drawn to classic, minimalist beauty, or do you love bold, artistic expression? Your makeup style should reflect your personality and fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Someone who loves a clean, effortless look might gravitate toward dewy skin and soft neutrals, while those with a flair for the dramatic may prefer sharp winged liner and statement lips.

5. Match Your Makeup to Your Lifestyle

Your ideal makeup style should also align with your lifestyle. If you have a busy schedule, a quick and polished routine with multitasking products may be best. For those who enjoy experimenting, a more intricate routine might feel rewarding.

Cover Photo by Jamie Coupaud